In 2019, Paulien began her studies as an architectural engineer at KU Leuven, where she discovered her passion for architecture in all its forms. Throughout her studies, her interest expanded to urban design, leading her to choose the “Urban Projects” specialization in her master’s year.

As part of her master’s program, Paulien spent a year at Politecnico di Torino in Italy, where she participated in the international master’s program in “Territorial and Urban Planning and Development.” This experience provided her with a broad international perspective on the larger scale of human landscapes and their development.

Her master’s thesis, titled “An Atlas of Spatial Practices and Lived Experiences: From Restrictions to Support in Cape Town”, focused on homelessness in Cape Town. Through research and fieldwork, she gained valuable insights into the social dimensions of urban development, exploring concepts of spatial (in)justice. This experience connected her to the world of NGOs, where she learned about the complexities of urban issues and the crucial role of space in supporting marginalized communities.

Since January 2025, Paulien has been working as an architectural intern at Brut, where she continues to expand her knowledge and experience as an architect.

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